Since Xie Rang dared to do this, he was prepared to be discovered. Therefore, when he met Yun Qing's gaze, he smiled confidently.
Both of them sat in high positions, and it was hard for the small details about them not to be noticed by those below. However, the court officials were used to it, after all, they knew that the palace sent things to the Li residence every ten days or half a month, all sorts of things, so this situation was nothing unusual.
Therefore, it did not cause any significant disturbance.
[It seems the desired effect has not been achieved?]
Yun Qing, having nothing to do with the excitement happening to her, glanced at the assembled ministers and, finding no one discussing anything, relaxed and watched the Emperor's expression above her.
Li Yunshu noticed her elder sister's actions and then realized that she was probably the second person present who wasn't too afraid of the emperor's authority. She chuckled.
Ever since she learned of the young emperor's thoughts, Li Yunshu had been hoping that Xie Rang would suffer a setback, and now her wish had come true.
Xie Rang also realized this, and felt a little depressed. The impression left by the past was too deep, and it was still a long way to go to change it.
This minor incident did not affect the start of the banquet.
This was Lu Le's first time in the Central Plains, and what he saw and heard along the way was enough to shock him for a long time. This prosperous place was completely different from the Rouran legends. Therefore, he looked at Xie Rang with more apprehension.
It was only after the new emperor ascended the throne that Da Xi began to flourish.
"But Your Highness, I've heard that the reason the Great Xi Emperor's position is so secure is because of his teacher! That one..."
In some ways, Yun Qing's reputation was even more widespread than Xie Rang's.
He was the youngest top scholar in the imperial examinations, and he had left home to serve the young emperor. He then devoted himself to eliminating treacherous officials, recruiting talented people, and working diligently to govern the country. In just a few years, he turned the situation in the Great Xi Kingdom from loss to profit. The people were all grateful for his kindness, and there were even folk songs praising him.
This shows the immense contributions made by this imperial tutor.
Most importantly, the new emperor of Da Xi was not afraid of her plotting to seize power at all. He did whatever she said and there was truly no animosity between them.
That's the most shocking thing.
Lu Le's gaze swept over Yun Qing with interest: "This Imperial Tutor is quite handsome."
She was not only beautiful, but none of the courtesans Lu Le saw on his way here could compare to her.
Despite his striking good looks, his restrained aura commanded respect, creating a sense of oppression comparable to that of the new emperor of the Great Xi Dynasty.
“That’s true… haha.” The strategist beside Lüle laughed along. They spoke in Rouran language, and dared to be so presumptuous because most of the people here couldn’t understand it. “Isn’t she much prettier than our most beautiful woman on the grasslands? The Central Plains really does produce many beauties!”
The Rouran people are not particular about gender, and Yunqing would be considered a beauty among them.
Their behavior was far too arrogant and unrestrained. Yun Qing, sitting above, could see it all clearly and gained a deeper understanding of what was said in the history books.
This future Rouran king was Xie Rang's greatest enemy.
They had all the advantages: favorable timing, geographical location, and popular support. No wonder the war was so brutal.
Yun Qing stroked the cup, pondering slowly.
Her initial plan was to address the issue from the perspective of people. A fight was inevitable sooner or later; the only thing she could do was to change the key circumstances and minimize the losses.
The Great Xi is now internally stable, and all the surrounding small states have submitted. Only the Rouran, which moves north, is still eyeing the Great Xi covetously, eager to take a piece of its territory. Without eliminating this external threat, true unification cannot be achieved.
The process was proceeding smoothly. Hearing the Grand Tutor's thoughts, Xie Rang also glanced at Lü Le, gaining a general understanding of the man. He decided to inquire about more information later.
Lu Le felt a strong sense of being watched. When he looked for her, he only saw Xie Rang withdraw his gaze. He couldn't help but frown—was it this new emperor of the Great Xi who was looking at him?
Only after the offering of gifts was completed did Lu Le rise naturally, raise his cup, and toast Xie Rang: "I have long heard that His Majesty the Great Xi is young and accomplished. Today, having met him, I can see that he is indeed as majestic as the legends say, making us all feel ashamed of our inferiority. This cup of wine is on behalf of the Rouran, to His Majesty."
Lu Le's Central Plains dialect wasn't very good, but it was generally fluent, and he had a concerned look on his face, making it hard to refuse him.
Xie Rang looked over and casually raised his hand: "Mm."
After saying that, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
The moment the wine touched his tongue, its sweetness spread across his tongue. Xie Rang was startled and glanced at Yun Qing without making a sound.
Yun Qing lowered her eyes and smiled softly.
It seems they've discovered I switched the drinks.
Over the years, Da Xi's situation has gradually improved, and the people in the family have some surplus grain, which is used for both sale and brewing. This has unexpectedly promoted the improvement of brewing technology, and they have slowly been able to brew some slightly higher-proof liquor. These liquors have a rich aroma and a completely different taste, and they are highly sought after by the upper class. Gradually, the imperial wines have also changed.
Xie Rang's alcohol tolerance was definitely not at the level of being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, which is why Yun Qing specially asked someone to change his wine.
Yun Qing was the first person to openly and honestly manipulate things in the palace.
Xie Rang gave Yun Qing a slightly aggrieved look, but in reality, his heart was full of sweetness, and even the noisy scene seemed much more pleasing to the eye.
Lu Le then toasted Yun Qing as well.
He was not usually a very observant person, but at this moment he noticed the same pattern on Yun Qing's clothes as that of the new emperor of Da Xi, and his gaze immediately became subtle.
Has the teacher-student relationship already reached this level?
Lu Le's gaze lingered on Yun Qing for too long, filled with amazement and inquiry, which seemed impure. Xie Rang suppressed his emotions for a while before calming down and asking, "I heard that the Rouran King was seriously ill a few days ago. Is he well now?"
Lu Le's expression changed, and he immediately lost all interest in Yun Qing: "Father is well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
The previous Rouran king was extremely incompetent. When his children grew up, he inevitably lost control of the situation. His so-called illness was nothing more than a political maneuver. Lule came to Da Xi with the delegation precisely because he wanted to stay away from the strife.
Those in high positions are often suspicious, and it's hard for Lü Le not to be suspicious. Xie Rang is implying something.
However, Xie Rang just smiled calmly and did not continue, letting Lü Le guess. Yun Qing saw this and found it amusing.
There are more and more malicious people around.
She helped Xie Rang handle government affairs, and they shared all the information. In fact, Xie Rang probably knew less about the Rouran than she did, but that didn't seem to stop the little tyrant from deceiving people at all.
The art of ruling with imperial skill has become increasingly sophisticated.
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